Friends Volunteer Reception
Friday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m.
At a private home in Boca Grande
As a thank you and welcome back, the Friends of the
Boca Grande Community Center invite all of their
wonderful volunteers to a reception at a private home in
Boca Grande.
If you are currently a volunteer or are interested in becoming
a volunteer for the Friends of Boca Grande, please
join us! RSVP is required if you plan to attend, so please
contact the Friends office by Friday, Nov. 17 at (941) 964-
0827 or email dfrank@fobgcc.org to RSVP and find out
the location.
Cruisin' on Dearborn Street
Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 to 8 p.m.
Dearborn Street, Englewood
Hundreds of cars and thousands of car lovers converge
on Dearborn Street for this car show on the first Saturday
of every month. Free admission. Music sponsored by
Olde Engle Village Association.
Englewood Winter Fine Arts Festival
Saturday, Dec. 3 & Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dearborn Street, Englewood
This annual event is one that all locals look forward to!
Come see the best local art featuring nationally recognized
artists. There will be original art, fine art, food and
fun. Spend a relaxing day exploring Olde Englewood
Village when West Dearborn Street becomes a
“pedestrian-only” exhibit area.
Proceeds of the event benefit Englewood community
charities. For more information see OldEnglewood.com.
BIPS Volunteer Welcome Back Party
Thursday, December 7, 5 to 7 p.m.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum
880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande
If you are a current Barrier Island Parks Society volunteer
(or would like to be), then this party is for you! This is
our annual welcome back party for BIPS volunteers. Please
RSVP to (941) 964-0054.
Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K
Saturday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
5851 Nathan Benderson Park Circle, Sarasota
Attention 5K runners and walkers! There is a new holiday
themed run this year in Nathan Benderson Park.
This fun family friendly festive event features miles of Christmas
decorations and music that creates an atmosphere that
will get your Christmas season started off right!
Athletes run or walk the lakeside Christmas themed course
with thousands of lights and lighted characters at night, and yes,
there is 100 percent chance of snowfall at the finish!
For more information and to register see
eliteevents.org/sarasota-christmas-glow-run-5k.html
BIPS Annual Lighting of the Lighthouse
Saturday, Dec. 9, gates open 5:30 p.m. lighting at 6 p.m.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse
880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande
Barrier Island Parks Society invites all to get into the holiday
spirit and come to the annual Lighting of the Lighthouse. There
will be live entertainment featuring Verceal, wine and appetizers.
For more information call (941) 964-0060 or go to
barrierIslandParksSociety.org
First night of Hanukkah - Tuesday, Dec. 12
Messiah Concert
Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m.
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
390 Gilchrist Avenue, Boca Grande
Music at St. Andrew’s is pleased to present the Christmas
portion of Handel’s Messiah. Messiah is the most famous and
beloved oratorio by George Frideric Handel.
The QOL Quartet will be accompanied by four professional
string musicians. Mr. Seth Wertz will accompany and conduct.
The program will last just over an hour, and doors open at 4:30
p.m. Tickets are not required, however a free will offering will be
received. Come and be blessed by a truly spiritual experience.
Merry Christmas - Monday, Dec. 25
Climb the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse!
Saturday, December 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
220 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande
Want to see the island from a whole new vantage point? If
you are least 44” tall you are invited to climb the Gasparilla
Island Lighthouse and see the beaches of Boca Grande from a
different perspective. Space is limited for the 20 minute climbs
to the top of the lighthouse.
Go to barrierIslandParksSociety.org or call (941) 964-0060
for your opportunity to climb the lighthouse steps.
November/December 2017 GASPARILLA ISLAND 77